Why are settlements typically preferred in legal disputes?

Settlements are typically preferred in legal disputes because they can save time and resources. When parties come to a settlement, they often bypass the lengthy and expensive process of going to trial. Trials can involve numerous pre-trial processes, extensive discovery, and court appearances, all of which can consume significant amounts of time and money. By settling, parties can agree on terms that resolve the dispute quickly and efficiently, allowing them to move forward without the uncertainties and delays of litigation.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the common preferences for handling disputes through settlements. Settlements do not provide a final ruling in the way that a court judgment would; instead, they are voluntary agreements that may not be enforceable in the same way. Settlements generally occur outside of public scrutiny, unlike trials, which are conducted in public court and can attract media attention. Furthermore, settlements do not eliminate the possibility of evidence; rather, they may involve discussions and negotiations around the evidence to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.